CCOF - inspectionhttps://www.ccof.org/tags-inspection
enTres maneras de hacer la programación de su inspección más fácilhttps://www.ccof.org/tres-maneras-de-hacer-la-programaci%C3%B3n-de-su-inspecci%C3%B3n-m%C3%A1s-f%C3%A1cil
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-01-17T11:45:00-08:00">January 17, 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Los Servicios de Certificación de CCOF (CCOF CS) deben asegurar que cada operación certificada sea inspeccionada al menos anualmente. Con el alto número de inspecciones que coordinamos, una operación dada normalmente tendrá sus inspecciones anuales entre siete y 16 meses aparte. Los inspectores independientes y el personal de operaciones de inspección se esfuerzan por planificar y programar viajes eficientes, lo que frecuentemente requiere programar múltiples inspecciones por viaje para reducir sustancialmente el costo de viaje facturado a cada operación. Nuestro equipo de operaciones de inspección agrupa las inspecciones en grupos eficientes, luego los inspectores planean sus viajes de la manera más económica posible y se ponen en contacto con los clientes para obtener citas.</p>
<p><strong>1. ¡Sea flexible!</strong> Para inspecciones de rutina, CCOF CS intenta acomodar razonablemente las preferencias de programación de los clientes. Sin embargo, cuanto más flexible y complaciente pueda ser con la fecha y hora deseada del inspector, mejor será la posibilidad de que el inspector pueda armar un programa de viajes que optimice el costo de viaje por cliente.</p>
<p><strong>2. Mantente en contacto</strong>. La programación de las inspecciones requiere comunicación bidireccional. La comunicación oportuna es la clave para que su inspector pueda optimizar con éxito los planes de viaje. Cuanto antes devuelva su correo electrónico o llamada telefónica, lo menos costosos serán los cargos por tiempo de preparación y gastos de viaje. Una vez que la fecha y la hora son confirmadas por usted y el inspector, el inspector normalmente trabajará en otras inspecciones alrededor de la suya. Por lo tanto, cancelar o cambiar una cita de inspección es probable que interrumpa el flujo y la eficiencia de todo un viaje de inspección, afectando no sólo a usted, sino también a todos los demás clientes involucrados.</p>
<p><strong>3. Mantenga su información de contacto actualizada.</strong> Revise su página MyCCOF para repasar y actualizar su información de contacto, o actualizarla enviando un correo electrónico a <a href="mailto:inbox@ccof.org">inbox@ccof.org</a> con el nombre de su operación / código en la línea de asunto. Proporcione detalles sobre las direcciones de correo electrónico y / o los números de teléfono que necesita actualizar e indique cuáles son las opciones principales o de primera elección. Vamos a capturar y actualizar esta información para que esté disponible para los inspectores cuando tratan de ponerse en contacto con usted.</p>
<p>La mayoría de las operaciones de CCOF CS cooperan de manera oportuna para programar las inspecciones. Con el fin de fomentar la programación cooperativa y confiable y recuperar una parte de los costos asociados con interrupciones de programación, CCOF puede cobrar por tiempo y gastos incurridos más una multa de $ 50 por inspecciones canceladas por el cliente con menos de 48 horas de aviso. Además, en la segunda solicitud para programar una inspección, el cliente tiene cinco días laborables para responder, o CCOF CS puede facturar una multa de $ 50. Un fracaso continuado para programar una inspección da como resultado un aviso de incumplimiento que debe resolverse para mantener la certificación.</p>
<p>Las inspecciones proporcionan la columna vertebral de la credibilidad para su certificación orgánica. Este valor se refleja en sus gastos y esfuerzos. El viaje del inspector y el tiempo de preparación influyen en el costo final. Al ser flexible y sensible al programar su inspección, y al mantener sus citas de inspección, podrá mantener los costos de viaje de inspección lo más bajos posible.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-espanol" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">espanol</a></li></ul></div>Thu, 23 Feb 2017 19:49:05 +0000Sarah Watters336231 at https://www.ccof.orgThree Ways to Make Scheduling Your Inspection Easierhttps://www.ccof.org/three-ways-make-scheduling-your-inspection-easier
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2017-01-17T11:15:00-08:00">January 17, 2017</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>CCOF Certification Services (CCOF CS) must ensure that every certified operation is inspected at least annually. With the high numbers of inspections that we coordinate, a given operation will typically have their annual inspections anywhere between seven and 16 months apart. Independent inspectors and inspection operations staff strive to plan and schedule efficient trips, which frequently requires scheduling multiple inspections per trip in order to substantially reduce the travel cost billed to each operation. Our inspection operations team bundles inspections in efficient groupings, then inspectors plan their trips as economically as possible and contact clients to secure appointments.</p>
<p><strong>1. Be flexible! </strong>For routine inspections, CCOF CS tries to reasonably accommodate client scheduling preferences. However, the more flexible and accommodating you can be to the inspector’s desired appointment date and time, the better the chance that the inspector will be able to assemble a travel schedule that optimizes the travel cost per client.</p>
<p><strong>2. Stay in touch. </strong>Scheduling inspections requires two-way communication. Timely communication is key for your inspector to be able to successfully optimize travel plans. The sooner you return their email or phone call, the less expensive your prep time charges and travel charges are likely to be. Once the time and date are confirmed by both you and the inspector, the inspector will usually work in other inspections around it. Therefore, cancelling or changing an inspection appointment is likely to disrupt the flow and efficiency of an entire inspection trip, affecting not only you, but also all the other clients involved.</p>
<p><strong>3. Keep your contact information up to date.</strong> Check your <a href="/myccof">MyCCOF</a> page to review and update your contact information, or update it by emailing <a href="mailto:inbox@ccof.org">inbox@ccof.org</a> with your operation name/ code in the subject line. Provide details about the email address(es) and/or phone number(s) you need to update, and indicate which are the primary or first choices. We will capture and update this information so it is available to inspectors when they attempt to contact you.</p>
<p>The majority of CCOF CS operations cooperate in a timely manner to schedule inspections. In order to encourage cooperative and reliable scheduling, and to recoup a portion of costs associated with scheduling disruptions, CCOF may charge for time and expenses incurred plus a $50 penalty for inspections cancelled by the client with less than 48 hours’ notice. Additionally, at the second request to schedule an inspection, the client has five working days to respond, or CCOF CS may bill a $50 penalty. Continued failure to schedule an inspection results in a notice of noncompliance that must be resolved to maintain certification.</p>
<p>Inspections provide the backbone of credibility for your organic certification. This value is reflected in their expense and effort. Inspector travel and prep time impacts the final cost. By being flexible and responsive when scheduling your inspection, and by keeping your inspection appointments, you’ll be able to keep your inspection travel costs as low as possible.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li></ul></div>Tue, 17 Jan 2017 19:24:20 +0000Rachel Witte334511 at https://www.ccof.orgCCOF Inspector Field Evaluationshttps://www.ccof.org/ccof-inspector-field-evaluations
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2016-01-15T11:30:00-08:00">January 15, 2016</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><strong>Updated</strong>: April 11, 2016</p>
<p>Field evaluations are required by the National Organic Program (NOP) for all certifiers. As a result, CCOF implemented a pilot program in 2015 that has been very successful. We appreciate the NOP’s requirement and are embracing it with additional time and effort in 2016.</p>
<p>As a part of our ongoing inspector quality efforts, the CCOF inspection operations department is conducting field evaluations of about 25 inspectors during regular inspections throughout 2016. Field evaluations help us ensure quality inspections, and give us a closer look at your experience with our inspectors to help us improve the inspection system overall. Field evaluations do not increase inspection time or impact the inspected operation, but they do provide an opportunity for you to provide direct feedback to senior inspection services personnel.</p>
<p>We always welcome your feedback and use your post-inspection surveys to help us improve and identify field evaluation options.</p>
<p><strong>Update</strong>: CCOF recently provided feedback to the National Organic Program regarding <a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/2027.pdf" target="_blank">revision of NOP Handbook Instruction 2027</a>. CCOF Certification Services, LLC would like to see a different approach to the Inspector Evaluation component of this helpful and valuable quality requirement. <a href="/sites/default/files/Comments%20on%20NOP%20Guidance%202027%20Field%20Evaluations%20Revised.pdf" target="_blank">Read CCOF's comments on NOP Guidance 2027</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspectors" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspectors</a></li></ul></div>Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:29:13 +0000Rachel Witte244861 at https://www.ccof.orgSignature No Longer Required on Inspection Exit Interviewshttps://www.ccof.org/signature-no-longer-required-inspection-exit-interviews
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2016-01-15T11:30:00-08:00">January 15, 2016</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>We’ve removed the requirement for a signature on our Inspection Exit Interview Forms. The use of a signature was developed by CCOF, outside of the NOP regulations, and proved difficult in our fully-electronic inspection and review system. By submitting the exit interview to CCOF, our inspectors verify that the information is correct to their best knowledge. After your inspection the inspector will either leave a paper version with you or email an electronic version.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li></ul></div>Fri, 15 Jan 2016 19:28:38 +0000Rachel Witte244856 at https://www.ccof.orgFarmsReach and CCOF Share Blog Resourceshttps://www.ccof.org/blog/farmsreach-and-ccof-share-blog-resources
<div class="field field-name-field-blogimage field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.ccof.org/sites/default/files/styles/blog_large/public/files1/images2/FarmsReach.jpg?itok=9g1c2AVc" width="665" height="319" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>We’re excited to share blog resources with the FarmsReach community! Every two months, we will highlight a roundup of each other’s blog features.</p>
<p>Their most recent blog series focused on Labor &amp; Worker Safety. Below is a summary of the practical information they shared. Enjoy!</p>
<hr /><p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-2-how-to-survive-labor-audits-avoid-big-fines-tips-from-paul-underhill-veronica-guinto/" target="_blank">How to Survive Labor Audits &amp; Avoid Big Fines</a></strong><br />
“In July 2011, Paul was expecting a visit from the California State Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), as they were in the area inspecting farms for heat safety issues. When the DIR arrived at his farm and began interviewing his employees, they didn’t find heat issues, but instead found violations of unaccounted overtime - unexpected by DIR as well as Paul…” <a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-2-how-to-survive-labor-audits-avoid-big-fines-tips-from-paul-underhill-veronica-guinto/" target="_blank">Read more</a>…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-3-are-there-legitimate-farm-apprenticeship-programs/" target="_blank">Are there Legitimate Farm Apprenticeship Programs? </a></strong><br />
“Many family farms with interns, also known as apprentices, have incurred heavy fines in the last few years for non-compliance with employment and workers’ compensation laws. Whether you call it an ‘internship’, ‘apprenticeship’, or ‘volunteer’, they are all considered the same under the federal labor law…” <a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-3-are-there-legitimate-farm-apprenticeship-programs/" target="_blank">Read more</a>…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-4-be-prepared-for-a-government-inspector/" target="_blank">Be Prepared for a Government Inspector</a> </strong><br />
“Your worst nightmare comes true: You are going about your business when you suddenly get a phone call - or, worse yet, a knock on your door. The person you are unexpectedly dealing with is a government inspector from Cal/OSHA…” <a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-4-be-prepared-for-a-government-inspector/" target="_blank">Read more</a>…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-6-anyone-believe-in-the-market-anymore-immigration-reform-bracero-program-redux/" target="_blank">Anyone Believe in the Market Anymore? </a></strong><br />
Immigration Reform &amp; Bracero Program Redux “What is happening with immigration reform, an issue vital to farmers across the country? In fact, nothing of consequence has happened since the Senate passed its immigration bill in June 2013…” <a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-6-anyone-believe-in-the-market-anymore-immigration-reform-bracero-program-redux/" target="_blank">Read more</a>…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-8-best-practices-in-farm-labor-management/" target="_blank">Best Practices in Farm Labor Management</a></strong> <br /><span style="line-height: 1.538em;">“It should come as no surprise that farmworkers value what most of us have come to expect or desire from our own places of work: a living wage, respectful treatment, safe conditions, health insurance, benefits, and the ability to advocate for improved conditions without fear of retribution…” </span><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-8-best-practices-in-farm-labor-management/" style="line-height: 1.538em;" target="_blank">Read more</a><span style="line-height: 1.538em;">… </span></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-10-practical-tools-resources-farmsreach-labor-worker-safety-toolkit/" target="_blank">New FarmsReach Labor &amp; Worker Safety Toolkit! </a></strong><br /><span style="line-height: 1.538em;">“The FarmsReach Labor &amp; Worker Safety Toolkit provides checklists, info sheets, spreadsheets, and detailed practical references to help you better manage your employees. All of our Toolkit resources were recommended by our Featured Farmers, partners and the community!” <a href="http://blog.farmsreach.com/labor-series-pt-10-practical-tools-resources-farmsreach-labor-worker-safety-toolkit/" target="_blank">Read more</a>… </span></p>
<p><em><strong><span style="line-height: 1.538em;">To learn more about FarmsReach’s programs, check out <a href="http://www.farmsreach.com/" target="_blank">their site</a>.</span></strong></em></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">CCOF</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">inspection</li></ul></div>Mon, 18 Aug 2014 17:47:56 +0000Jon Knapp26201 at https://www.ccof.orgNew Certificates Soon After ALL Inspectionshttps://www.ccof.org/new-certificates-soon-after-all-inspections
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2014-06-26T09:45:00-07:00">June 26, 2014</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Did you know that all certified CCOF operations remain certified until their certification is formally withdrawn, suspended, or revoked? Did you know that you can have a new copy of your certificate — effectively a federal license — at any time? It’s true. You are certified and you can have a new certificate at any time. During the recent membership survey it came to our attention that waiting for new certificates is a challenge and creates unnecessary stress for some operations.</p>
<p>As a result, CCOF is working to meet client needs by modifying some systems and giving you certificates when you need them.</p>
<p>We will reduce friction in the certification process by issuing fresh copies of certificates to operations awaiting inspection review. This will provide the certificate you require while reducing pressure on the review and compliance process. Whenever an otherwise standard review is going to extend beyond 45 days from the date of inspection, CCOF is going to work to send you a new copy of your certificate automatically. You will receive a review letter later with any compliance matters to address, but you will not be waiting for your certificate.</p>
<p>If you ever need a fresh or current copy of your certificate, you can access it in <a href="/myccof">MyCCOF</a>. If you require a new version with a recent “issue date,” feel free to email <a href="mailto:inbox@ccof.org">inbox@ccof.org</a> with your operation name and code, or contact your <a href="/certification/help/certification-service-specialists">Certification Service Specialist</a>.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-ccof" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">CCOF</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-services" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">services</a></li></ul></div>Thu, 26 Jun 2014 19:01:05 +0000Laura Mathias25856 at https://www.ccof.orgSignificant Changes to Certification Manual - All CCOF Clients Affectedhttps://www.ccof.org/significant-changes-certification-manual-all-ccof-clients-affected
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2013-10-18T15:00:00-07:00">October 18, 2013</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>We have made some substantial changes to our <a href="/documents/ccof-certification-services-program-manual">Certification Services Program Manual</a>.<br /><br />
These changes affect all CCOF clients, and you will be asked on your 2014 Continuation of Certification Contract (renewal contract) to verify that you agree to the policies described in this manual. In brief, the changes include:</p>
<ul><li>The ability for CCOF to charge clients for unannounced inspections if the client is given prior notification that they will be charged (see page 8)</li>
<li>Clarifications to the “Indemnification” and “Limitations of Liability” clauses to more specifically describe who is covered by these clauses (see pages 27 &amp; 28)</li>
<li>Increase of the new application one-time fee from $275 to $325</li>
</ul><p>Please take a moment to review the current <a href="/documents/ccof-certification-services-program-manual">Certification Services Program Manual</a>, and contact your <a href="/certification/help/certification-service-specialists">Certification Service Specialist</a> if you have any questions.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-standards" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">standards</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-fees" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">fees</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li></ul></div>Fri, 18 Oct 2013 22:26:03 +0000Jon Knapp25309 at https://www.ccof.orgBefore and After Your Onsite Inspectionhttps://www.ccof.org/and-after-your-onsite-inspection
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2013-10-18T15:00:00-07:00">October 18, 2013</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>For most operations, your onsite CCOF inspection is one day out of the year. We know that this day can be stressful and takes your focus away from your day-to-day operations. However, there are things you can do before and after the inspection occurs to make sure that the inspection goes smoothly, your certification moves forward, and there are no speed bumps along the way. <a href="/faqs/what-about-organic-inspections">Read additional tips on how to keep inspection costs down</a>.<br /><br />
Here are some tips for making the inspection process as easy and cost-effective as possible:</p>
<h4>Before the Inspection</h4>
<p><strong>Stay in Contact </strong><br />
Return the phone calls or email from your inspector as soon as you can. Inspectors work hard to group inspections in order to cut down on the travel costs to each operation. By responding promptly to your inspector and being as flexible as possible in the scheduling, you may be able to save significant cost on inspection travel.<br /><br /><strong>Read the Pre-Inspection Letter</strong><br />
Before your inspection, you will receive a “pre-inspection letter” from your inspector, outlining what the inspector will be doing onsite and the records that they will need to review. Look this letter over carefully and contact your inspector right away if you are confused or need any additional details or information about what is in the letter.<br /><br /><strong>Request a Copy of Your Inspection Checklist </strong><br />
Did you know that your inspector can provide you with a blank copy of the inspection checklist that they will use to perform your inspection? Just ask. You could use the inspection checklist to perform a self-assessment or mini internal audit to identify any areas that may require additional attention or focus during the inspection.<br /><br /><strong>Review your Organic System Plan </strong><br />
You can access the Organic System Plan (OSP) that CCOF has on file (the same one your inspector will be using) on <a href="/myccof">MyCCOF</a>. Give yourself some time to sit down a few weeks before your inspection to look over this document and make sure all the information is current and complete. You can save time and money by updating your OSP prior to your inspection rather than waiting until your inspector is onsite with the meter running.</p>
<h4>After the Inspection</h4>
<p><strong>Pay Attention to the Exit Intervie</strong>w<br />
Before your inspector finishes the inspection, they will conduct an “Exit Interview” with you to discuss any issues of concern or additional information that they need to complete the report. Please be sure to send along any items such as receipts, supplier certificates, product labels, etc. that your inspector requests on the interview document (that they will leave with you) as promptly as possible! This will reduce the number of times that we will have to contact you after the inspection. If you are confused about what to submit, be sure to contact your inspector directly and ask for clarification.<br /><br /><strong>Look Over Your Inspection Report </strong><br />
Did you know that your inspection report is available to you 24/7 via MyCCOF once your inspector has submitted it to us? You will receive an email as soon as the report is ready for you to view. Log on to <a href="/myccof">MyCCOF</a> at your leisure to see the report and make sure there are no errors or misunderstandings in it.<br /><br /><strong>Respond Quickly to Requests </strong><br />
If you receive a call, email, or letter from us requesting additional information, please respond as soon as possible so you can avoid moving to Noncompliance. Need additional time to gather the necessary information? No problem! Just request an extension on the deadline. Your Client Service Specialist is here to work with you to close out these requests as soon as possible.<br /><br />
The CCOF staff, including inspectors, is committed to making the inspection and certification process as painless and efficient as we can while ensuring that we uphold the gold standard of organic integrity. We look forward to working with you now and in the future, and encourage you to contact us at any time with your suggestions, comments, concerns, or questions. We want to help!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li></ul></div>Mon, 07 Oct 2013 22:44:55 +0000Jon Knapp25274 at https://www.ccof.orgTriple the Phone Servicehttps://www.ccof.org/blog/triple-phone-service
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On January 28, CCOF Certification Services achieved a huge milestone by <strong>tripling our front line phone service</strong>. <a href="http://ccof.org/blog/cold-copiers-and-hot-phones" target="_blank">As we’ve reported previously and talked about in the CCOF blog</a>, CCOF has digitized about 1 million pages of our client files. This means that <a href="http://ccof.org/document-scanning-gives-you-better-access" target="_blank">we are no longer making copies of files for inspectors and your OSP is available in real-time online</a>. <strong>The time, energy, and postage we’re saving from no longer building physical inspection packages are now directed towards three additional staff members available to answer your incoming phone calls</strong>. These staff members are trained to help you, fulfill simple requests, or route your call to appropriate staff. Three weeks later and we’re already finding that more callers are being served, questions are being answered, and service provided.</p>
<p><u>We Need your Input and Information at Inspections</u></p>
<p>Another important service aspect of 2013 is improvements we’ve made to our inspection update forms. At every inspection you have the opportunity to update your contact information and company profile. Now we’ve updated this form to give you an opportunity to tell us about your operation. You’ll be asked about ways that you’re unique, your use of USDA and other government services, and whether you’re willing to host tours for policymakers and others. This information is critical for CCOF to support your needs and promote your operation. Please take the few extra minutes to fill out these short questions so we can deliver for you.</p>
<p><u>We’re not Slowing Down! Give us your Feedback</u></p>
<p>In the coming months we’re working on ways to improve our communications and provide new services to you. Recently, a long standing client gave us some fascinating feedback about letters and ways we can put you at the center of our communications. We’re incredibly grateful for his contribution and are working on integrating as much as we can throughout the process. Over the course of the year we intend to review all our materials and nearly every piece of information you see during the certification process so we can improve them with you in mind. Please stay in touch and work with us as we try to improve your experience. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to leave us a comment.</p>
<p>All of us at CCOF appreciate your efforts and thank you for your support.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0">services</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1">MyCCOF</li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-2">inspection</li></ul></div>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:01:52 +0000Jake Lewin25044 at https://www.ccof.orgNOP Improves Organic Integrityhttps://www.ccof.org/nop-improves-organic-integrity
<div class="field field-name-field-date-published field-type-datestamp field-label-inline clearfix"><div class="field-label">Date Published:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single" property="dc:date" datatype="xsd:dateTime" content="2013-01-23T11:00:00-08:00">January 23, 2013</span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Recently, the NOP issued final rules and instructions to certifiers that provide important improvements to certification and require certifiers to raise the bar for both unannounced inspections and testing. These efforts help ensure that organic certification is rigorous and meaningful in the marketplace while guaranteeing that all NOP certified operations and certifiers are required to meet similar requirements. CCOF has performed both unannounced inspections and residue testing for some time and is therefore pleased to see these requirements effectively instituted by NOP. We salute the National Organic Program’s (NOP) commitment to improving the implementation of organic certification.</p>
<h3 style="color:#b86339;fontfamily:soho std,arial,helvetica;fontweight:500;">Periodic Residue Testing Rule Finalized by NOP</h3>
<p>On January 1, 2013, the National Organic Program’s (NOP) Final Rule regarding Pesticide Residue Testing went into effect. This final standard mandates that certifiers perform residue testing of a minimum of 5% of their certified operations. CCOF has been preparing for this requirement by performing residue testing for several years, providing feedback to NOP and working with other groups to ensure the final rule did not pose an undue burden on CCOF operations or farms exclusively.</p>
<p>The NOP implemented the vast majority of CCOF and partner organization comments on the proposed rule. We are extremely pleased that the NOP has provided certifiers with significant discretion regarding the type of testing, reasons, and materials tested within the rule.</p>
<p>The new rule allows certifiers to test for a wide variety of residues including:</p>
<ul><li>Prohibited pesticides</li>
<li>Arsenic or other contaminant metals</li>
<li>Genetic engineering</li>
<li>Synthetic hormones</li>
<li>Antibiotics, except in organic apple and pear production per USDA organic regulations</li>
</ul><p>Tests may be based on random selection, complaints, investigations or risk analysis and all tests performed count towards the 5% minimum. In addition, the rule allows tests of plant parts, soil, water, and finished products instead of only farm gate products as was initially proposed. This establishes the rule as an effective compliance monitoring tool. CCOF worked hard to ensure this degree of flexibility, which will help ensure the efficacy of residue testing while ensuring that the entire organic community is subject to similar requirements. Certifiers may not charge operations for testing. The improved final rule will benefit CCOF operations and consumers by increasing consumer confidence.</p>
<h3 style="color:#b86339;fontfamily:soho std,arial,helvetica;fontweight:500;">NOP Unannounced Inspections Policy Mandates Unannounced Inspections</h3>
<p>After recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) the NOP has released NOP Handbook Instruction Policy 2609 regarding Unannounced Inspections (NOP 2609: Unannounced Inspections). This policy is intended to provide consistent application of NOP standards by recommending certifiers perform unannounced inspections of at least 5% of their operation annually. CCOF has actively lobbied for this clarification which requires all certifiers to meet the same percentage of unannounced inspections CCOF already performs annually.</p>
<p>The NOP instruction document describes certifier best practices and reflects many CCOF comments to the NOSB and NOP. CCOF is well positioned to meet the requirements and does not foresee an additional burden for CCOF clients. CCOF operations are generally not charged for unannounced inspections unless they are mandated as a part of ongoing monitoring of their operation.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix"><h3 class="field-label">Tags: </h3><ul class="links inline"><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-0" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-nop" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">NOP</a></li><li class="taxonomy-term-reference-1" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/tags-inspection" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">inspection</a></li></ul></div>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 22:06:07 +0000Jon Knapp24988 at https://www.ccof.org